Steering Wheel Vibration

What's happening

Most likely causes

1. 1

   Unbalanced tires

   The classic 55-70 mph shimmy. A wheel weight fell off.

2. 2

   Warped brake rotors

   Shakes only when braking; the pedal may pulse too.

3. 3

   Worn tie rods or ball joints

   Looseness in the steering lets the wheel wander and shake.

4. 4

   Bent wheel or separated tire

   A pothole bend or internal tire failure thumps at all speeds.

How to diagnose it — in order

1. 1

   Note the speed: 55-70 mph shimmy is balance; shaking only when braking is rotors.

2. 2

   Check for a missing wheel weight or visible tire bulge.

3. 3

   Jack up the front and check for play at 3-and-9 and 12-and-6 o'clock.

4. 4

   Look at tire wear patterns; cupping or feathering points at alignment or balance.